We are glad to feature this dynamic new project by Architects 3XN Architects. The Ørestad College is the latest ‘gymnasium’ (college or upper...

3XN has just sent us some new photographs and information on the soon to be completed hotel and conference center. Designed by the Danish firm, it is first step of the long-anticipated extension of the Bella Center; Copenhagen’s famous Congress Center. The upgrade of Bella Center intends to add an urban feeling to the place, and the extension should benefit from Bella Center’s perfect location: Situated between the old city core and Orestad; Copenhagen’s growth center, Bella Center is connected to two important worlds of activities, and furthermore it’s close to the Metro as well as the Copenhagen Airport.

Initially, 3XN has worked out a master plan for the entire Bella Center area to establish the right place for the two-tower hotel. The master plan is flexible and may be executed in several phases. It draws upon the classical urban weave of rectangular streets and blocks, but leaves each field open to interpretation.

The two hotel towers stand close as a pair, yet seem a little shy; the towers incline in opposite directions. The reason for this is to obtain an unobstructed view from all rooms in each tower of the flat landscape. The sky was not the limit in this case; flight safety requires a max tower height of 75m (25 floors) this close to the airport, so one tall tower was not an option.

Wind considerations as well as a wish for a landmark signal caused the top twist of one tower, while the wish for a clearly indicated entrance caused the ground floor twist of the other tower. The hotel lobby is merging into the existing entrance lobby of the Bella Center, making the hotel a true integrated part, ready for large events like the Copenhagen International Fashion Fair.